Posted in: Activities Events Must See Attractions Skiing & Winter Sports Winter

The charms of the winter getaway are well-known to those who love winter sports and the après-ski lifestyle and Tuscany, though not especially famous for it, is actually a perfect ski break destination. Now, while it may not be able to quite compete with the Alpine regions further north in Italy, the region does boast some nice ski resorts and this, combined with the charms of a holiday in Tuscany during the winter season make it a perfect place to go skiing, snowboarding, and more. So, come and savour the hearty winter Tuscan cuisine that is perfect for keeping you full and warm, admire pretty towns made lovelier by Christmas decorations, visit wonderful Christmas markets and other festive events and traditions, enjoy Tuscan towns, cities, and attractions with smaller tourist crowds, and much more besides, all while hitting the slopes this winter season!


If you are looking for an ideal Tuscan ski resort then look no further than Doganaccia 2000, a brilliant ski spot to visit if you have found a villa in Pistoia. Located on the Croce Arcana slopes, in the town of Abetone Cutigliano, this ski resort is actually a year-round attraction where all sorts of outdoor pursuits can be enjoyed but it truly comes alive when the air grows cold and snow begins to blanket the peaks once more.

Posted in: Events Exhibitions Florence Localities Museums & Galleries Must See Attractions Tourist Attractions

While there are many brilliant museums full of some of the most important pieces of art in history to be visited while on holiday in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, there is also still a vibrant contemporary art scene in the city that can be experienced in various galleries, exhibition centres, art spaces, and more throughout. However, sometimes the oldest art institutions in Florence also house lively new exhibitions that are exciting must-sees and that is certainly the case for the Palazzo Strozzi this winter, which is currently home to a wonderful showcase of the work of celebrated contemporary American artist Jeff Koons

Posted in: Christmas Concerts & Festivals December Events Markets Must See Attractions
Tuscany is home to endless Christmas markets and events each year, which is one of the many reasons it makes for an excellent spot to plan a winter getaway. However, one of the best among all of these endless local events and celebrations that you can choose from has to be the annual Christmas takeover of the pretty and historic town of Arezzo. The medieval streets of the town, already utterly picturesque and charming, become all the more magical as strings of lights illuminate the winding little roads, shop windows are dressed up with festive cheer, and the scent and sounds of festive excitement emanate from all over. And, at the core of all of the Christmas celebrations in town is the Arezzo Città del Natale, or City of Christmas, festival! If you love Christmas and you were thinking of spending the Holidays on vacation in Tuscany then get browsing our villas in Arezzo as it is a perfectly festive spot to make truly unforgettable and special memories.
Coffee
Posted in: Food and Wine Museums & Galleries Must See Attractions Restaurants & Cafés Tourist Attractions
Coffee-lovers will already consider Italy and Tuscany, in particular, to be essential destinations for enjoying excellent coffee while on holiday and/or as key destinations in the globe to tick off if you are out to properly explore and experience all of the most important coffees and coffee cultures of the world. However, if you’re really serious about your coffee and want to dedicate a whole day to learning more about Italian coffee and coffee culture and tasting some excellent blends and you have found yourself a luxury villa in Florence or a vacation rental in Fiesole then you should definitely pencil in a visit to the Accademia del Caffè Espresso. A truly unique foodie experience for coffee fans, in particular, it is just one more delicious reason to plan a visit to this truly beautiful part of the world.

The Accademia del Caffè Espresso is located on the outskirts of Florence, near the town of Fiesole, and is a, “cultural “hub” focused on espresso coffee,” where, through analyses, research and communications, they build new relationships and insights into espresso coffee culture. Based in what was once the old factory space of La Marzocco, the famous high-end coffee machine company, from 1960 to 2009, the Accademia is now a place for research, innovation and outreach. Basically, it’s an incredible hub for the most dedicated coffee-lovers and nerds out there to unite and learn more about coffee and enjoy some incredible blends!
Streets in Pienza
Posted in: Localities Must See Attractions Small Towns Travel Tips
One of the most-Googled questions about Tuscany, and a question that many thinking of planning their first vacation in Tuscany may have, is, “What is the prettiest town in Tuscany?” This, of course, is quite a contentious query with many potential answers depending on of whom you ask it (lots of patriotic locals will be quick to boast about their own hometowns and nostalgic visitors who fondly remember their own trips will choose places that mean something to them, in particular), when you're planning on travelling, what things you like to see and do, what kinds of scenery you prefer, and more. To single out just one town is not only selling Tuscany short – as it truly does boast seemingly endless stunning towns just waiting to be explored and to endear themselves to you – but it will also lead to the traveller asking it to potentially miss out on many other perfectly charming and utterly picturesque spots.

However, if you want a list of some especially lovely examples to get you started on your quest to uncover and discover some of the prettiest towns in Tuscany, then read on to our picks of just some of the best of the best among them...just don't complain if you're one of the aforementioned locals or Tuscany aficionados who don't happen to find their choice on the list!